DP Ruto urges Kenyans to pray for him ahead of ICC verdict
Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen (left), Deputy President William Ruto and Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago at the Africa Inland Church Pioneer, Eldoret Town, on April 3, 2016. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Ruto said he was optimistic the case against him and journalist Joshua arap Sang would be withdrawn.
- Mr Ruto and Mr Sang are accused of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the 2007/2008 post-election violence.
The deputy president has been excused from attending Monday's ruling at the Hague-based court.
Deputy President William Ruto on Sunday attended a church service at his Eldoret home ahead of a crucial ruling on his no-case-to-answer application at the International Criminal Court on Monday.
Mr Ruto, who spoke at AIC Pioneer Church, said he was optimistic the case against him and journalist Joshua arap Sang would be withdrawn and called for calm ahead of the ruling.
“I have no doubt whatsoever in my mind that this issue will soon be behind us. Just continue praying for us,” said the deputy president without delving much into the case. The service doubled up as a funds drive in aid of women groups from the region.
Mr Ruto and Mr Sang are accused of crimes against humanity consisting of murder, deportation or forceful transfer of populations and persecution, allegedly committed during the 2007/2008 post-election violence.
The deputy president has been excused from attending Monday's ruling at the Hague-based court since he is holding the fort for President Uhuru Kenyatta who is in Paris at the start of a two-nation European tour. He arrived in Paris yesterday and will also head to Germany this week.
Mr Ruto, who was with Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and governors Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu) and Cleophas Lagat (Nandi) condemned the violence which rocked Muliro Gardens in Kakamega on Saturday during the launch of Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula’s presidential bid, where two people were seriously injured.
“Nobody should be barred from holding a meeting anywhere in this country. Blackmail and hatred should not rein in our society. Democracy means that we should respect the rights of others.
“Waliozua fujo Kakamega ni wa dini moja na waliopulizia firimbi rais Kenyatta akihutubua bunge (Those who caused the Kakamega violence read from the same script with those who disrupted the President’s State of the Nation address in Parliament),” said Mr Ruto.
He urged Kenyans to live and invest in any part of the country ahead of the General Election, saying everyone was assured of security.
“Everybody, irrespective of tribe, religion or party affiliations, should co-exist peacefully as one nation. We should reject politicians who perpetuate hatred and violence.. We should compete on the basis of ideologies, policies and manifestos which can transform our nation,” he said.
